To what shall we compare the happiness of youth? <br />When all things are fair unto our eyes, and the blos- <br />soms of the tree of life, as yet untouched, are <br />bright in rosy bloom. <br />When eyes of angels seem to smile upon us from the <br />flowers, and the breathing of the winds are <br />grateful to our lips as the kisses of the one we love. <br />When we wander in the cool shadow of the far-spread <br />night, and quaff the streaming lustre of the moon <br />and stars, as from a fountain of sparkling wine. <br />When we view all things by the light of a joyous <br />heart, and hope all things will be as now. <br /> <br />To what shall we compare the happiness of youth? <br />While the first pain, the earliest throb of disappoint- <br />ment is felt but as a thorn in a bed of roses. <br />Alas! the serpent pleasure attracts but to sting. <br />The roses of joy fade and fall away, and the thorns of <br />care are yet upon the branches of life. <br />Lo! the winter is with us-it will be always winter <br />now. Spring comes not again to the aged. <br /> <br />To what shall we compare the happiness of youth? <br />To a star that dies on the bosom of morning, that <br />sinks in the flood of day. <br />It is like a violet when the east wind bloweth. <br />Like a bark that is chased and struck down by Euro- <br />clydon, the mighty hunter of ocean. <br />Like a lofty tower, like a beautiful tower of fine <br />marble in the arms of the earthquake, dashed <br />down for ever. <br />Such is the happiness of youth.<br /><br />Peter John Allan<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-lament-16/
